As the warm summer season transitions to the cool, crisp days of fall, it’s the perfect time to cosy up your interiors. Transitioning interior spaces for fall doesn’t require an entire house remodel. Just as you might update a few pieces or add some trendy accessories to your wardrobe for the season, transitioning your home is about making smart additions and working with what you’ve got.
I like to design for my favourite time of the year in the same manner that I approach dressing for it – more layers, heavier fabrics, soft and varying textures, and all things cosy. Fall colours such as reds, oranges and yellows, are an easy way to add warmth but it’s not always possible. Instead, focus on creating the feeling that fall inspires – warmth and comfort. Here are a few tips to help you do so.
Bring in the warmth!
When transitioning into the colder months, it’s important to bring in as much warmth as we can! First place? The fireplace! If you have one, making it a focal point in your space will automatically bring warmth to the space. This can be achieved by rearranging your furniture to be conversational around the fireplace or orienting the furniture toward it.
If you don’t have a fireplace, there are electric fireplaces that can be incorporated onto a wall. If the addition of one exceeds your budget, the easiest and quickest way to bring warmth into your space is through colour! The quickest way to give your space a facelift is with a few coats of paint. Embracing terracotta or rust tones into your home brings in a warm earthiness that is the next best thing. Burnt oranges pair great with sand beiges and warm greys to create a serene environment.
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Adding an accent paint colour to the wall or generously decorating the mantle are excellent solutions for making your fireplace pop!
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Don’t feel like getting your painting smock on? Traditional or contemporary style, cabinetry paired with gold hardware and light fixtures are a great way to refresh your kitchen or bathrooms and create a warm vibe.
Bring in the comfort!
Due to the pandemic, rooms that were previously for entertaining purposes only have been transformed into at-home workstations. The need for privacy is quickly in high demand, especially now that everyone will be hibernating inside to get away from the cold. More and more, we are seeing a need for separation within open concept floor plans while still keeping sight lines to the adjacent rooms. Room dividers or decorative partition screens are a fantastic way to create intimate spaces where we can seek comfort in a more private manner. Creating a special nook somewhere in your home can also bring you the joy and comfort you never thought of. For example, creating a nook in front of a window with a chaise or built-in bench layered in pillows and a knit throw blanket can give you the perfect place to escape to curl up with a good book and set the tone for fall!
Providing your space with layers of textures is an excellent strategy to make it feel more comfortable and relaxed without the need of introducing colour. Introducing texture on the walls helps to bring more character and make your space feel soft and calm. Millwork wall details are a terrific way to add visual interest and texture to your walls without the need to hang up artwork or pictures. Another great way of adding texture to the walls is to use textured Roman clay or a limewash, which offer depth and a feeling of warmth you thought only happened in a Parisian loft! Wallpaper is hot right now and an instant pick up that can add colour and/or texture.
With the change in seasons and the idea of living more inside; a renovation is usually a first instinct. Sometimes, that is the right answer. We can help you with that renovation. It is also important to remember that transitioning your home for the colder months does not need to entail a complete redesign. The smallest additions of seasonal changes can transform your space into the warm and comfortable space that you’ve been dying to cosy up into!
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Vintage/eclectic furniture and décor give more character and make a space feel more personal. We often find comfort in the things we know and are familiar with. Dusting off old picture frames or pulling out a set of grandma’s coloured glassware can bring a sense of comfort and security, which is needed on those chilly days.
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If altering your walls is too out of reach, texture can be added to the space through layering textiles to create a warmer, relaxed environment. Bouclé, faux furs, heavy linens and chunky knits are all the rage at the moment. Consider adding accent pieces like woven poufs or wool throw blankets on your couch to snuggle up to on those cooler days. Layering rugs is also a great way to add texture and make your space feel cosier.